EXTRA cash will be available for older people this spring thanks to an increase in income support.

Age Concern will be spearheading a drive during the charity's 'Your Rights Week' to ensure as many older people as possible know all about the changes to means-tested benefits.

Income Support for pensioners (the minimum income guarantee) will increase to £92.15 from £78.45 and pensioners will be able to have more savings - up to £12,000 and still be able to claim some help.

The changes will also mean that more older people will become entitled to housing and council tax benefit.

The charity claims that thousands of older people fail to claim income support at the current rates because they do not realise they are eligible or are put off by the claims process.

Chief officer of Age Concern Warrington, Maxine Grimshaw said: "Income support for some older people is rising by nearly a fifth which could have a significant effect on the standard of living for the poorest pensioners in Warrington.

"The message to older people is, if you're living on less than £92.15 a week, including your state pension, and have no more than £12,000 in savings, check whether you are entitled to income support. Even if you're not entitled to income support you may still qualify for help with your rent or council tax or benefits like Attendance Allowance."

An Age Concern Information worker will be on the Disability Information Service stall in Warrington market every Monday morning from 9am to 12. The Age Concern Information and Advice Centre also operates a drop in service at their offices on 716-718 Knutsford Road on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10am to 1pm.